Automatic switch



E. W. WHITLEY.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH.

APPLIECATION r1150 APR.29, 1916.

1,316,212. PatentedSept.16,1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

YES.

E. W. WHITLEY. AUTOMATIC swncu. 7 APPLICATION FILED APR,.29, 196.

PatentedSept. 16, 1919.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2- E. W. WHITLEY.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED APR. 29. I916.

WITNESSES ,44%

Patented Sept. 16, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- .1701 Ma'ZZeg INVENTOR ATTORN EYS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELBER'I w. WHITLEY, or nrrnnrn, enoncra.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH. v 1 1 i i.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 16, 1919.

Application filed April 29, 1916. Serial No. 94,357.

To all whom it may concern: 1

Be itknown that I, ELenR'r W. WHITLEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Atlanta, in the county of Fulton andState of Georgia, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Automatic Switches, of which the following is a specification.

This invention appertains to mechanism for operating and controlling railway switches and signals from moving trains, and it comprehends specifically an automatically operable stub switch and concomitantly acting stub rail controlled. thereby.

One of the objects of this invention is to eliminate the ordinary switch structure, in eluding split rails and frogs, by substituting a mechanism embodying an automatically controlled stub switch and simultaneously acting stub rail, whereby railroad calamities, resulting from open switches, may be avoided. 7

A further object of this invention is to design a stub switch structure to be operated by a passing train, the latter being equipped with a tappet adapted to be thrust downwardly into contact with a part of the switch mechanism, whereby the respective rails of the switch may be brought to normal position for either approach.

A further object of this invention is to provide a simple and eflicientstub rail, automatically operable to a position coinciding with that of the switch. 7

Further objects of this invention are to provide switch mechanism positive in its action, not liable to injury by ordinary use, and highly eflicient for the purposes which it is intended; to efi'ect an automatically operating switch of comparatively few parts, so arranged that it can be readily repaired and inspected whenever the same is desirable, and, finally, one which will eifec tively prevent a trainencountering a switch with its ralls in open osition.

With these and other objects in view, my

invention consists in certain novel detailsof construction, combination and arrangement of parts to be more particularly hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding parts are indicated by similar reference characters Figure 1 represents a top plan view of my improved railway switch showing the track broken away; i

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the switch 1 showing the mechanism operatively connected with signaling means and the switch in part;

Fig. 5 represents adetailvertical sectional view through the switch stand; i

Fig. 6 represents a horizontal detail sectional view taken through the casing for the gearing for throwing or operating the switch;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the switch stand being broken away and shown in section in part showing locking means for holding the switch in closed position; r

Fig. 8 represents a horizontal detail sectional view taken through the housing or casing for the rotatable switch rail for con* necting one of the side track rails with the main track rail; and

Fig. 9 is a transverse detail sectional view taken on line 99 of Fig.8.

Briefly stated, this invention comprisesa stub switch including a pair of horizontally movable interconnected rails situated in the length of the main track, a swivelly mounted stub rail located at the intersection of main track and siding, means interconnecting stub rail and switch to afford simultaneous movement, mechanism governing the movement of said switch and that of a sig nalindicative of its position, and a depending tappet carried bythe locomotive adapted to actuate said mechanism, and switch structure associated therewith.

In the illustrated embodiment character izing my invention, A and B designatethe rails of the main traok,C and D those of the siding track, E pivoted rails of a stub switch, and F a short, swivelly mounted upon a pair of spaced transversely arranged supporting or securing plates 2, the inner ends of which are disposed inwardly with respect to said rails A and B, and pivotally interconnected by connecting rods 3 and a. This construction permits simultaneous actuation of the rails to the same extent when the switch is operated.

A rectangular metallic housing or casing 5, mounted upon one side of the 'main line rails A and B, supports a switchstand designated 6 as an entirety. A lamp signal 7, of the ordinary type, is positioned upon the vertical standard of the switch stand, and supported by a vertical rotary shaft 8, disposed within said stand. The shaft has its lower extremity projecting into casing 5, and provided with a pinion for a purpose hereafter to appear. Mounted within the inner end of the easing which is enlarged, is a vertical rotary shaft 10 upon which are keyed pinions. 11 and 12, in superposed relation.

A rack bar 13 is sl-idably situated within the casing 5 for cooperation with the gears 9 and 12, said gear 12 being the lowermost onthevertical shaft 10. A. crank arm let is carried on the lower endof the shaft 10 and disposed .beneath the housing or casing 5. A switch-throwing bar 15 is pivoted at its end itothejcrank arm 14, .and the interme-' diate portion ofthe. connecting rod 4.

- Upon'rotation of the shaft 10 itwill be seen 7 switch in closed that, through-the medium of the crank arm 14:, the stub rails of the switch will be shifted or moved. As a means for locking the position, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, an operating handle 16, formed with an enlarged slotted portion 17, is af-. fixed to and extends at right angles from the shaft 8 at a point above the vertical part of the stand 6. Upon the upstanding portion of the stand 6 isa bracket 18, having a head 19, which latter is provided with a laterally extending U shaped staple 20 designed to extend through the slotted portion of handle 16, for the reception .of a pin, Iockor other fastening. element. On opposite sides of the switch, adjacent the rails of the maintrack and at suitably spaced points from the switch, trainengaging mechanisms G and H are arranged to co-- operate with trains approaching the switch in opposite directions. The mechanisms G and H are similar as to construction, and each embodies a curved train-engaginglever 22, :pivoted at one end, as at 23, to a suitable bracket mounted exterior to and ad acent the rail B of the main tracln This lever 22 is'designedso as to'extend outwardly and upwardly from the pivot point in the direction toward the switch, to thus present an inclined surface to be engaged bytrain-ean ried mechanism, as will be later imore :i'ully described. Each of the-levers. 22 is curved:

and directed downwardly adjacent to its outer end and bifurcated as at 2t at the extremity of the downwardly directed portion. A bell crank 25, pivoted as at 20, is situated adjacent to the lever 22 of each of the mechanisms G and H. A pin 27, carried by one of the arms of the bell crank 25, is adapted to be received within the bifurcated end 21 of the lever 22. Rods 28 and 29 are pivotally connected with the bell cranks 25 of the mechanisms G and H respectively, and extend parallel to the rail B through the switch stand and project into the casing 5. The inner ends of the rods 28 and 2t), disposed within the casing 5, are formed with rack teeth designed to cooperate with the pinion 1-1. One of the rods is offset, whereby they may extend on opposite sides of the pinion. These rods are free to slide back and forth in the casing to rotate the pinion 11 and its shaft 10, to accomplish the shifting of switch rails E. hen the aforesaid traii'i-earried mechanism engages either of the levers 22 of the mechanisms G and H, the bell cranks 25 of the mechanisms will be rocked, rods 28 and 29 horizontally actuated, shaft 10 rotated through pinion 11, and the rails E connected therewith, shifted, as will be readily understood without further discussion.

To simultaneously operate stub rail F, a bell crank 30 is pivoted intermediate its ends within a casing 31 situated upon one of the ties adjacent connecting or bridle rod l-. One arm of this bell crank 30 is slotted and pivotally connected with the pivot pin 32, aiiixed to connecting rod 4. Mounted upon the ties adjacent stub rail F is a casing or housing 33 of any desired configuration. A rod 34, pivotally connected at one end with one arm of the bell crank 30, extends into the housing or casing 33. This end of said rod is formed with rack teeth 35, upon one face thereof which cooperate with pinion 37 keyed to shaft 36 vertically disposed within casing 33.

Upon the lower end of shaft 36, exterior of the casing, is a crank arm 38. The stub rail F is supported upon a circular rotary disk or supporting plate 39. The disk 39 is provided with a center pivot 4-0 mounted in a suitable bearing carried by the casing 33. Secured upon the disk 3i) and extending outwardly therefrom is a lmlgitudimilly slotted arm 41 that is loosely or pivotally connected with the arm 38 by means of a pivot pin 42 carried by the arm 38. Assuming the stub rail F to be in open position. as shown in Fig. 1, when motion is imparted to the rod 34, the pinion 37 is rotated by virtue of its engaging the rack teeth on said rod and the shaft 36 rotated therewith, thus moving the crank arm 38 and causing the disk 39 to be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, whereby. stub rail F is brought into alinement with the split rail A of the main track, The operation de scribed relative to the shifting of the rail F is brought about SlIIIHltMIBOIISlY with the closing of the stub rails E, since the bell crank 30 connects the mechanism for the rail F with the bridle rod 4 of theswitch rails E. 'lrains approaching the switch in both directions will bring about automatic closing of the switch and switch rail F.

'The train carried mechanism, to co6perate with the levers 22 of the mechanisms G and H, comprehends vertical housings 43, secured to and depending from the ends of the transverse frame bar or piece 44 or a locomotive designated J as an entirety and shown in part in Figs. 2 and 3. 4

Vertical rods 45 are slidable within the cylindrical housings 43 and extend through and are slidable relative to the member 44. The lower end of each rod 45 is bifurcated and forms an approximately inverted U- shaped bracket 46 in which is rotatably journaled a cylindrical rail-engaging roller 47. The rollers 47 are of sufficient length to engage the rails and levers 22. The rods 45 are reduced intermediate their ends to provide annular shoulders 48. Mounted upon the reduced portions of the. rod are helical expansion springs 49, which engage the shoulders 48 and the inner ends of the l'lOllS"- ings 43. The upper ends of the rods 45 are enlarged and slotted as at 50. t i,

On the framework of the locomotive J is a bell crank 51, having one arm disposed within the slotted enlarged end 50 of the rod 45, and the other normally disposed in a vertical plane. An operating rod 52, .PlV.

oted at one end to the bell crank 51,- is connected with an operating lever (not shown) to be located in the cab of the. locomotive.

In use, the operation ofthe device embodying the foregoing invention is as fol lows Presuming position and the locomotive J approaching from the right, as viewed in Fig. 2, when the roller 47 engages lever 22, the latter will be depressed, bell crank 25 rocked and horizontal movement impartedto rod-29, whereupon the shaft 10 being rotated, its arm 14 and rod 15 will be actuated, .to bring the stub rails E of the switch into alinement with those or the main line.

51 and operating rod 52, so that said roller.

may pass above lever 22 in disengaged relation with respect thereto. As the position i of signal lamp 7 depends entirely upon the movement of stub rails E, said lamp will,

the switch to be in an open As the rails E of the switch are brought to closed posiof course, indicate to the engineer the condition of the switch. It may sometimes be desirable to eliminate the automatic switch features, in which event, switch rails E may be locked in closed position by the locking structure hereinbefore described. Owing to the arrangement of springs 49, rollers 47 will be continually maintained in yielding engagement with the rails A and B of the main line, to insure proper and instant en gagement with the switclrthrowing mechanism, sothat, should the locomotive approach an open switch unknown to the engineer, it will be automatically brought to proper position, thus avoiding what otherwise might be serious railroad calamities. From the foregoing structural outline, will be apparent that I have designed a switch mechanism extremely practical, reliable and efficient in operation, inexpensive to install and retain in operatiomby means of which railroad calamities .due to open switches left in such position through care lessness or oversight on the part of the switch attendant will be entirely eliminated.

Although in l the foregoing, certain "elements have been set forth as best adapted to perform the functions allotted to them, nev ertheless, it is to be understood that various minor changes as to form, substance, eta, may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims without departingfrom or sacrificing any of the principles of this invention. U r t Having now described my invention, what I claim is a t 1. In an automatic switch, the combination with a main track and siding terminatingin a switch comprising a p air of pivotally mounted conjointly movable rails; of a swivelly mounted stub rail located at the intersecting point of one of the main track, and siding rails, switch-throwing mechanism to simultaneously actuate said switch-and stub rails, anda depressible nemberoper: atively connected with said switch-throwing mechanism and disiiosed in advance of said switch, whereby to be engaged by a passing set forth a a .1 i a 2. In an automatic switch, the combina tion with a main track and siding terininat ingin a switch comprising a pair of hingedly mounted conj ointly movable rails, aswivelly mounted stub rail situated at the intersecting point of one of the siding and main track rails, switch-throwing mechanism to simul taneously actuate switch and stub rails, adepressible member disposed in the lengthof train, substantially as and for the purpose the main track at each approach; of said switch, said members being operatively con- In an automatic switch, the combination with, a main track and siding termi nating. in a switch, the latter including a pair of pivctally mounted conjointly movable rails; a swivelly mounted rail located for the purpose set forth.

. 4. an automatic switch, the combination with a main track and siding terminating a switch comprising a pair of pivotally mounted rails andequa'lly spaced laterally v m'bvable, supporting members there for; of an annular rotary element located at the point of intersection of one of the main track and siding'rails, a stub rail afiixed to said element and adapted to form a continuation of said main track or siding rails, a vertically positioned rotary shaft, means to impart the rotary movement of said shaft to said rotatable element, a pinion keyed to said shaft, a connecting rod having one end formed with a rack adapted to mesh with said pinion, whereby to effect rotation of said shaft, a bell crank, one arm of said bell'crankbeing connected to one of said switch rail supports, the other to the free end of said rod, whereby operation of the switch rails will simultaneously actuate said stub rail, a switch-throwing mechanism, a depressible member located on the main track in advance of said switch, means operatively connecting said depressible member with said switch-throwingmechanism, and train-carried means adapted to coeperate withsaid' depressible member, substantially as and; for the purpose set forth.

5pm an automatic switch, the combination witha main track and siding, terminating in a switch comprising a pair of pivotall'ymounted rails, equally spaced laterally movable supporting members therefor; of an annularrotary element located at the point of intersection of one of the main track and siding rails, a stub rail afiixed to said element and adapted to form a continuation ofsaid main track or siding rails, a vertically positioned rotary shaft, means to impart the rotary movement of said shaft to said rotatable element, a pinion keyed to said shaft, a connecting rod having one end formed with a rack adapted to mesh with said pinion, a bell crank, one arm of said "bell crank being connected to one of said switch rail supports, the other to the free end of said rod, whereby operation of the switch rails will simultaneously actuate said Stub rail, a switch-throwing mechanism, a

essen depressible member situated on the main track at each approach of said switch, means operatively connecting said members with said switch-throwing mechanism, and traincarried means adapted to coiiperate with said dbpressible member, substantially 1 as and for the purpose set forth.

6. In an automatic switch, the combination with a main track and siding terminating in a switch, including a pair of pivotally mounted conjointly movable rails; of a stub rail located at the intersecting point of one of the main track and siding rails, means connecting said stub rail with those of said switch for simultaneous movement, a casing contiguously mounted with respect to said switch, a vertically mounted shaft within said casing, means connecting said shaft with said switch, a downwardly movable member located on the main track in front of the switch, means to effect rotationv of shaft through the downward moven'ient of said member, and train-carried means adapted to cooperate with said movable member, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. In an automatic switch, the combination with a main track and siding terminating in a switch, including a pair of pivotally mounted conjointly movable rails; of a swivelly mounted stub rail located at the intersecting point of one of the main track and siding rails, means interconnecting said stub rail with those of said switch for simultaneous movement, a casing contiguously mounted with respect to said switch, a vertically mounted shaft rotatable within said casing, an armcarried by said shaft and connected with said rails, whereby to actuate the latter, a pinion keyed to said shaft, a depressible member located on the main track in front of the switch, a bell crank having one arm connected with said depressible member, a connecting rod having one end connected with the remaining arm of said 'bell crank, a rack formed on the free end of said rod for cooperation with the pinion on said vertical shaft, whereby to effectits rotation, and'traiircarried means adapted to contact with said depressible member, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In an automatic switch, the combination with a main track and siding ter1ninating in a switch, including a pair of pivotally mounted conjointly movable rails; of a stub rail located at the intersecting point of one of the main track and siding rails, means interconnecting said stub rail with those of said switch, for simultaneous movement, a casing contiguously mounted with respect to said switch, a vertical shaft rotatably mounted within said casing, means connecting the lower end, of said shaft with said switch rails, whereby rotation of the former will acuate the latter, a pinion keyed to the upper end of said shaft, a bell crank situated in advance of said switch, a rod having one end connected to one arm of said bell crank, a rack formed on the free end of said rod for coeperation with said shaft, whereby to effect its rotation, a depressible mem ber operatively associated with the remaining arm of said bell crank, said member being curved to present an inclined surface, 10

and train-carried means adapted to antiperate with the inclined surface of said member to cause the depression thereof, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

E. W. WHITLEY. Witnesses:

M. A. REAvEs, J. N. JOHNSON, Jr.

Gopies 0! this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

